‘Choirmaster’ Film Alters Main Character’s Name Amidst Legal Dispute with Abuse Survivor

The creators of the Czech film Sbormistr (internationally known as Broken Voices) have decided to change the name of the film’s main character in response to a lawsuit filed by Karolína Ruppert, a survivor of abuse perpetrated by Bohumil Kulínský, the former conductor of the Bambini di Praga choir.

Legal Challenge and Concerns Over Representation

Ruppert, one of the victims of Kulínský, who was convicted of sexually abusing underage choir members, filed a lawsuit against the film’s creators alleging that the film closely mirrors her own experience and is deeply damaging. She contends that despite claims from the filmmakers that the film is a fictional work, the similarities in age, timeframe, and specific details of the abuse depicted in the film to her own case are too significant to ignore. Blesk.cz reported on the lawsuit on February 18, 2026.

Film’s Inspiration and Creative Intent

Directed by Ondřej Provazník, Sbormistr draws inspiration from the real-life abuse scandal involving the Bambini di Praga choir in the early 2000s. Provazník has stated that the film is not a direct retelling of the events, but rather an exploration of the complexities of abuse and its impact on victims. The Prague Reporter detailed the film’s inspiration in a May 2025 article.

Name Change and Producer’s Statement

Producer Jiří Konečný explained that the name change is intended to avoid any unintentional association between the film and Ruppert’s personal story. “While our film tells a fictional story inspired by the experiences of a number of victims, we don’t want anyone to feel that they are unintentionally associated with the work,” Konečný stated. iDNES.cz reported on the decision on February 19, 2026.

Dispute Over Financial Settlement

Endorfilm, the film’s production company, previously stated they sought reconciliation with Ruppert, but claimed her demands were unacceptable, including a request for 10 million Czech crowns and a ban on television broadcast of the film within the Czech Republic. Ruppert refuted this claim, stating that she invited the creators to propose a financial settlement amount through her legal representative, but they never presented a specific offer. She clarified that the requested 10 million crowns in her lawsuit is intended to support victims of sexual violence, including providing psychological and legal assistance.

Critical Acclaim and Upcoming Awards

Despite the controversy, Sbormistr has received critical acclaim, being named the best film of the past year by members of the Association of Czech Film Critics. Kateřina Falbrová, who portrays the main character, too won a prize for her performance. The film has received 13 nominations for the Czech Lion Award, with the awards gala scheduled for March 14.

Impact and Ongoing Debate

The name change is a technically and creatively demanding adjustment for the finished film, but the production team aims to implement it without disrupting the overall artistic integrity of the work. The decision reflects the ongoing debate surrounding the film’s portrayal of sensitive subject matter and the importance of protecting the well-being of abuse survivors. World Today Journal provides additional context on the case.